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Mary May Furtado, a Laidlaw Scholar at Oxford Saïd Business School is driving change by helping to educate and empower women who are experiencing homelessness

I have spent the last 10+ years of my career working with early to mid-stage startups in Silicon Valley. I am a strategy and business operations consultant who has partnered with numerous CEOs to drive success for their organizations. I’ve been able to work with startups from pre-incorporation through $80 million plus fundraise rounds.​

I came to the Said Business School as a continuation of the work I’ve already done to formalize my learning, expand my abilities to address complex issues, and to gain a broader view of the complexities of international business. I further chose the Laidlaw Scholarship because it is a like-minded organization dedicated to supporting women and the development of female leaders as evidenced by their illustrious network of diverse, intelligent scholars.​

What is the biggest life challenge you have overcome and what did you learn from it?

Though it is by no means my biggest challenge it has been one of the most enduring challenges for me to balance family and everything else in life. I would say that at this point in life I know that you “can’t be all things, to all people, all at the same time”, but it is vital to know what your top priority is at any given point in time. Once you are clear on that, your decisions become easier. Beyond that surround yourself with people, support systems, and a profession that can reasonably align with where you are and where you’re heading. ​

If it is what you really want, you can absolutely have kids, deliver at work, and continue your education…just brew lots of coffee first.​

What is the most useful/impactful piece of advice you have been given in your life?

Take ownership in your job. Chances are, if it is a problem in your organization, one day it will be your problem. Might as well start thinking of solutions now.​

Conversely, what is the WORST piece of advice you have been given?

“Don’t get your hopes up” – this is often said by well meaning people who “don’t want you to get hurt”, but ultimately it sends a message to set your horizons low. Failure has value, get out of your comfort zone.​

What are your top 3 leadership tips?

• • Practice deep listening, and invite new perspectives​
  • Learn to recognize when you have something to offer, and speak up​
  • The details are important, but don’t forget to look toward the horizon

What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?

Being awarded a Laidlaw Scholarship was one of the most formative events of my life. It took something far outside my reach, studying for an MBA from the Said Business school at the University of Oxford, and placed it firmly in-hand. It has quite literally opened a world of possibility for me and my family. Beyond the financial contribution of the scholarship, it has also connected me to a community of dazzlingly accomplished fellow MBAs. Their support and belief in my ability to succeed has freed me up to focus on making the most of my time here in Oxford. It will surely be a life changing year for my sons and me.​

Which leaders inspire you the most and why?

Ernest Shacklton – He led 28 men on an expedition to the antarctic that nearly ended in tragedy. Though his team was trapped in the antarctic for over a year, not a single member of his team died. There were certainly heroic efforts on his part that deserve praise but, his everyday ability to keep his team aligned and moving towards their goal under the most adverse conditions imaginable was truly masterful. ​

Describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.

We are largely still working in environments and constructs that were devised by individuals that represent the minority of the workforce at this point. I’m excited about the next generation of workplace developments and have made use of my time at startups to pilot new ways of doing things. I like to imagine a future where inequities become less and less a part of the work world and am passionate about building the business case, and social case, for supporting parents and individuals in finding balance between their careers and parenting/caretaking.​

Quick-fire Questions

📺 Currently Binging: 

The Night Manager

📚 My top book recommendation: 

The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson 

🎶 My anthem: 

Don't Stop Me Now - Queen 

🎧 Current Audiobook Obsession:

The 20 Minute VC

🌈 Something that made me feel joy recently:

Rainy day living room dinner picnic with my kids. Sitting around on a picnic blanket eating a spread a good food, hearing about everyone’s day.

I’m a Board Fellow for Women’s Empowerment, located in Sacramento, CA, USA. With a mission to Educate, Empower and Employ, Women’s Empowerment is a non-profit that educates and empowers women who are experiencing homelessness with the skills and confidence necessary to get a job, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and regain a home for themselves and their children.